This document discusses different file formats used for storing digital images and other media. It provides information on common file formats like JPEG, PNG, GIF, PSD, TIFF, RAW, EPS, and their uses and characteristics. Key differences between raster and vector images are explained. Common software applications used for creating raster images like Photoshop and vector images like Illustrator are also mentioned. The document seeks to inform readers about the various digital file formats and their applications.

1. FILE FORMATS
BY SAMUEL PRESTON

2. WHAT IS A FILE FORMAT?
A file format is a way of storing information to be used at a
later date on a different or the same software as before. Some
of the many things that can be stored using file formats are
documents, images and films.
Also different file types require different formats for which to
work operate. For example Photoshop. This is compatible with
an image file because Photoshop is an image manipulation
software. However, due to this, files such as movie files are not
compatible with Photoshop.

3. TYPES OF FILE FORMATS
JPE
G
PNG PDF GIF
TIF EPS PSD RA

4. WHAT IS A JPEG FILE?
A JPEG is a file format used for storing digital images. It allows you to store
images of good quality, while taking up minimal space. The benefits of JPEGS
are that you can use them in a wider range of software such as Photoshop
and Microsoft Documents. You can use them in any web browser and any
computer can universally view open standard format. It is the perfect format if
you are planning on doing some limited image editing on the computer.
One of the main disadvantages to JPEG are that you can lose image quality
therefore the edges tend to come out blurry. Also JPEG image format is not
capable of handling “JPGs utilize lossy image compression, which helps
conserve file size but reduces the quality of the image”- Digital Manga
Workshop. animated graphic images. The type of design work that you could
use JPEGs for are print, interactive and exhibition.

5. AN EXAMPLE OF A JPEG
HTTPS://THIS IS A PRINT SCREEN I TOOK MYSELF SAVING IMAGE. THIS IS THE IMAGE’S HYPERLINK :
HTTP://BRUNSWICKPLANTATIONLIVING.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2013/04/DOGS.JPG

6. WHAT IS A PNG FILE?
PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics and is saved as a PNG
format. For internet graphics a PNG is a perfect file type and it does not
have any patent restriction and it is ideal for screenshot software,
allowing pixel for pixel reproduction of your desktop environment.
The PNG is the best used for simple graphics like logos and
illustrations. It saves simple graphics as a small file without
compromising the quality of the image. However, PNG can not store
more than one image on the same file, it does not support animation
files and does not work well when saving full coloured images.

7. AN EXAMPLE OF A PNG
THIS IS A PRINT SCREEN I TOOK MYSELF SAVING IMAGE. THIS IS THE IMAGE’S HYPERLINK :
HTTP://GALLERY.YOPRICEVILLE.COM/VAR/ALBUMS/FREE-CLIPART-PICTURES/ANIMALS-
PNG/FUNNY_DOG_TRANSPARENT_PNG_CLIPART.PNG?M=1399672800

8. WHAT IS A GIF FILE?
“ GIF is a file format good for images with monochrome or limited colour palette
as well as animated and transparent images”- Digital Manga Workshop. GIF
stands for Graphic Interchange Format and there are two types. A GIF image and a
Transparent GIF image. The Transparent GIF is the same as a standard GIF except
that a Transparent GIF is an image with no background whilst the standard GIF does
have a background. This is also a Animated GIF image which is the same as a
Transparent GIF except that it is a moving image rather than a static one.
The GIF file is the one of the oldest files being created in the late 80’s so could be
considered outdated and in most cases the file size is bigger than a PNG. The GIF
uses lossless compression and has 256 number of colours. It is also suitable for logos,
flat areas of colour with regions that are well defined. It is also suitable for icons
containing few colours and small animations.

9. AN EXAMPLE OF A GIF
HTTP://I.IMGUR.COM/FPXZ8WK.GI
F

10. WHAT IS A PSD FILE?
A PSD file is Photoshop document a file that is created using a Power
Director program. This is the default format Photoshop uses to save
data due to this, it lets the user edit each layer individually. The files can
contain movies, slideshows, videos etc… It can contain menu setting
such as effects and transitions that can be used to edit videos. The PSD
file tends to be very large which is good because it keep the images in
their original form and is more suited to import/export files such as
Adobe Illustrator. Due to the size of the file, it makes it hard to send this
file format as an email and very few programmes can open/read a PSD
file. If you save this file as a JPEG, TIFF or GIF, you can not convert it
back to a PSD file.

11. AN EXAMPLE OF A PSD
HTTP://AZ648995.VO.MSECND.NET/DEVICES/2014/05/SCREENSHOT-6-E1400536013514.PNG

12. WHAT IS A TIFF FILE?
“TIFs preserve alpha channel information, and can be saved in all colour
modes, but, unfortunately, won’t preserve layer data”- Digital Manga
Workshop. TIFF stands for Tag Image File Format and is used for exchanging
raster graphics images between different programs and is one of the most
common graphic image formats. They are mostly used in desktop publishing
and 3-D applications. The TIFF file is does not get compressed so no data
gets lost and it keeps the high quality of the file’s contents. This file format is
larger than similar file formats so it makes it harder to email them and the TIFF
is not supported by most photo sharing website.

13. AN EXAMPLE OF A TIFF
HTTP://WWW.PRINT-DRIVER.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2013/09/HOWTO-
FILEFORMATTIFF.GIF

14. TIFF VS JPEG
HTTP://HOWTOSCAN.CA/ASSETS/IMAGES/DIFFERENCE-BETWEEN-JPG-TIFF-SCAN2.JPG
TIFF JPEG
Usually a Tiff is a bigger size
than a JPEG which makes them
harder to upload onto the internet
or attach onto E-mails. Due to
the larger file size a TIFF has, as
the file has no compression
100% of the data is saved
meaning the image quality is the
best it can possible be unlike a
JPEG. A TIFF is not supported
on most photo sharing formats
like Facebook and Twitter. Due to
the quality of a TIFF image not
decreasing, it can be used within
formats such as Photoshop for
editing as it will not degrade in
quality during each edit.
Usually a JPEG is a smaller file
size which is perfect to use on
the internet or E-mails. Due to
the smaller file size a JPEG has,
as the file is compressed smaller
the image quality decreases as it
loses some of its image data.
JPEGs do retain a high quality
image just not as high as a TIFF.
A JPEG is supported on nearly
all software types. This includes
Facebook, Twitter and Google
Images. When it comes to editing
the JPEG losses its quality with
each edit unlike the TIFF file.

15. WHAT IS A RAW FILE?
A RAW is used by many top of the range digital cameras. Also the RAW file format is
considered the best type of image file due to the RAW not processing the image which
leaves the image to be controlled. This file format can be edited using Adobe
Photoshop and Corel Paintshop Pro. This file format has no loss of data between the
camera and the file. Also the white balance and colour saturation settings on the
camera can be changed before using editing software like Photoshop and the file size
may be smaller than a TIFF. “Every Detail is in the file for the photographer to
download onto the computer and make adjustments to later”- Collins Complete
Photography Course.
Due to the large file size, it may take longer to take images off the camera and it is
also difficult to work with the images because they need to be converted to a different
file format EG: TIFF. The RAW file format may be made redundant quickly due to the
advancement of the compatible software.

16. AN EXAMPLE OF A RAW
HTTP://STATIC1.SQUARESPACE.COM/STATIC/51806101E4B051AA0C9153F1/T/532A40F2E4B0E
8B344D61F38/1395278099839/RAW_VS_JPEG_FILE_TYPE1.JPG

17. RAW VS JPEG
HTTP://UW-PIX.COM/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2015/02/RAW-VS-JPEG-700X380.JPG
RAW JPEG
A Raw file has a higher quality
image than a JPEG before and
after any editing or compression.
Unlike the JPEG, RAW files can
only be used on a very small
range of software which also
needs a computer with high
processing power to edit and
view the image. RAW files also
cannot be Email or uploaded
onto photo sharing websites like
Facebook and Twitter without
editing the file first. The RAW file,
unlike a JPEG file it needs the
user to spend time developing
the file.
Due to the JPEG file being
smaller, less space is taken by
the files but the quality of the
images decreases. However, a
JPEG file is perfect to use on the
internet or E-mails. A JPEG is
supported on nearly all software
types. This includes Facebook,
Twitter and Google Images. A
JPEG file is also hard to correct
mistakes of the exposure and the
colour.

18. WHAT IS A EPS FILE?
EPS stands for Encapsulated Post Script and is an extension of graphic
file formats which are used in veter-based images found in Adobe
Illustrator. The contents of a EPS file can be text, graphics or both and
in most cases contains bit-map which makes viewing simpler than a
vector would.
The EPS file format does not loose image quality and detail when the
detentions of the image size have been altered and this file format is
excepted widely. The EPS is also may contain clipping path and true
font data and a vide verity of metadata. The EPS file format can be
opened by graphic design software packages only.

19. AN EXAMPLE OF A EPS
HTTP://3V6X691YVN532GP2411EZRIB.WPENGINE.NETDNA-CDN.COM/WP-
CONTENT/UPLOADS/SITES/DEFAULT/FILES/STORY_IMAGES/20120424_FG3.PNG

20. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
RASTER AND VECTOR IMAGES?
A raster image is an image which is made up of different
coloured pixels that create the bigger image. The quality of
the image would decrease if the image size were to be
increased as Raster images are resolution dependant unlike
a Vector image. A Vector image is an image which is not
made up of pixels but of basic geometric shapes. This allows
the image quality to stay the same when the image size is
increased.

21. RASTER AND VECTOR IMAGES
HTTPS://WWW.PSPRINT.COM/RESOURCES/DIFFERENCE-BETWEEN-RASTER-VECTOR/

22. APPLICATIONS USED TO CREATE
RASTER AND VECTOR IMAGES
Adobe Photoshop or GIMP are used to create Raster images
as they are perfect for editing photographs as well as adding
effects and textures to the designs. Raster images are mostly
used within web design and print. Adobe Illustrator, Corel
Draw and Inkscape are used to create Vector images. These
Vector images range from logo designs to illustrations and
print work such as brochures and posters.

23. RASTER AND VECTOR APPLICATIONS
HTTPS://UPLOAD.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/WIKIPEDIA/COMMONS/THUMB/9/92/ADOBE_PHOTOSHOP_CS6_ICON.SVG/1041PX-
ADOBE_PHOTOSHOP_CS6_ICON.SVG.PNG
HTTPS://UPLOAD.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/WIKIPEDIA/COMMONS/THUMB/4/4E/ADOBE_ILLUSTRATOR_ICON_(CS6).SVG/2000PX-
ADOBE_ILLUSTRATOR_ICON_(CS6).SVG.PNG
HTTP://1.BP.BLOGSPOT.COM/-ZGD86ZKTXFC/UZU6ZVKW5AI/AAAAAAAANIW/NRCMNOS-CDM/S320/CORELDRAW+X7+KUYHAA.PNG
HTTP://WATERCHERRY.COM/CORE/MEDIA/2012/04/INKSCAPE-LOGO.JPG
HTTP://SCREENSHOTS.EN.SFTCDN.NET/EN/SCRN/16000/16492/GIMP-01-535X535.PNG

24. WHAT IS A METAFILE?
A Metafile is a file format that contains Metadata which
describes another file and gives an overview of what the file
contains. For example the details of a photograph. This file
can tell the time and date in which the photograph was taken
as well as the location. Some advanced versions of Metafiles
can pinpoint the location of the image taken within 10 meters.

25. MATAFILE
HTTP://I1-WIN.SOFTPEDIA-STATIC.COM/SCREENSHOTS/METAFILE-COMPANION_1.PNG

26. BIBLIOGRAPHY
• http://techstumbling.com/comparison-of-bmp-jpg-gif-and-png-formats/
• http://dpbestflow.org/file-format/file-format-overview
• https://www.logaster.com/blog/jpg-png-svg-pdf-formats/
• http://humanscape.com/JPEG_TIFF_RAW_DNG.htm
• http://www.snowbound.com/formats/jpeg
• https://bytescout.com/blog/2014/06/pros-and-cons-of-jpeg-image-
compression.html
• http://content.atalasoft.com/h/i/68054041-benefits-of-the-png-image-
format
• https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-
image-file-formats/

27. BIBLIOGRAPHY
• https://www.logaster.com/blog/png/
• http://info.eps.surrey.ac.uk/FAQ/standards.html
• http://www.graphicrating.com/2009/05/01/gif-jpg-and-png-file-formats-
pros-and-cons/
• http://techstumbling.com/comparison-of-bmp-jpg-gif-and-png-formats/
• http://dpbestflow.org/file-format/file-format-overview
• https://www.logaster.com/blog/jpg-png-svg-pdf-formats/
• http://humanscape.com/JPEG_TIFF_RAW_DNG.htm
• http://www.snowbound.com/formats/jpeg
• https://bytescout.com/blog/2014/06/pros-and-cons-of-jpeg-image-
compression.html

28. BIBLIOGRAPHY
• http://content.atalasoft.com/h/i/68054041-benefits-of-the-png-image-
format
• http://www.graphicrating.com/2009/05/01/gif-jpg-and-png-file-formats-
pros-and-cons/
• http://www.reviversoft.com/file-extensions/pds
• https://agnessalcf.wordpress.com/capturing-manipulating-
images/questions/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-jpeg-and-psd-files/
• Http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/TIFF-Tag-Image-File-Format
• http://www.digitalmemoriesonline.net/scan/output/jpeg_vs_tiff.htm
• http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/RAW-Raw-File-Format-bitmap

29. BIBLIOGRAPHY
• http://humanscape.com/JPEG_TIFF_RAW_DNG.htm
• Http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/TIFF-Tag-Image-File-Format
• http://www.digitalmemoriesonline.net/scan/output/jpeg_vs_tiff.htm
• http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/RAW-Raw-File-Format-bitmap
• http://humanscape.com/JPEG_TIFF_RAW_DNG.htm
• http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/RAW-Raw-File-Format-bitmap
• http://humanscape.com/JPEG_TIFF_RAW_DNG.htm
• http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/EPS-Encapsulated-Postscript-
Vector-graphics-Adobe-Illustrator
• http://smallbusinessplanned.com/marketing/what-is-the-difference-
between-a-jpg-gif-tiff-png-and-eps/

30. BIBLIOGRAPHY
• http://www.mediaonmars.com.au/dont-let-file-formats-get-better/
• https://www.psprint.com/resources/difference-between-raster-vector/
• https://99designs.co.uk/blog/tips/vector-vs-raster-images/
• http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/metafile
• http://techterms.com/definition/metafile
• http://www.digitalmemoriesonline.net/scan/output/jpeg_vs_tiff.htm
• http://www.digital-slr-guide.com/raw-vs-jpg.html
• http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/PSD-Adobe-Photoshop-default

31. BOOK BIBLIOGRAPHY
•The Fundamentals of Graphic Design -
Gavin Ambrose and Paul Harris (Published
2008)
•Graphic Design School – David Dabner,
Eric Zempol, and Sandra Stewart (Published
2013)
•Digital Manga Workshop - Jared Hodges
and Lindsay Cibos (Published 2005)